Mons Kallentoft

Mons Kallentoft is not making any bones about using the weather conditions as a feature in his books - MIDWINTER SACRIFICE, and now SUMMERTIME DEATH. Given that temperatures of 45º+ aren't exactly record breaking in these parts, it's a real testament to the way that this book is written that makes the reader almost physically experience the effects of that heat in such an overwhelming manner. But there's also an ongoing device which is fascinating - the lead detective, Malin Fors, was told many years ago by a mentor to listen to all the voices in an investigation. Kallentoft uses that device - the voices of so many of the characters - to great effect.

Having now read both of these books, it's difficult not to be struck by how strongly character driven they are - obviously with the emphasis on the leading detective Malin Fors. Even allowing for the predictability of a separation from her husband, and the problems with raising a teenage daughter, she's an interesting character with flaws and foibles that make her very human. There's also something very subtle going on in the use of the voices of the investigation - at points it's somehow the voices of minor characters that make them real. It's also the voice of the victim - giving the character often incidental in crime fiction a personality, a life, a reality. It doesn't hurt that there are points at which the writing of these voices, in particular, is simply beautiful, often poignant and definitely moving.

The emphasis on the characters, and the use of the voices, does create a more measured, careful, studied exploration of the plot in SUMMERTIME DEATH though, so fans of quick fire, high tension thriller style books are probably going to find the journey a little too slow. For this reader, however, the use of those voices is engaging, thoughtful and almost haunting at points.

This is more of an immersion reading book than a roller-coaster ride to a conclusion. Whilst there is definitely a plot building in SUMMERTIME DEATH, and there is an imperative to solve these dreadful crimes, it's not until very late in the book that the pace really does ramp up, and to be honest, the threat at the end didn't really come as that big a surprise. But by then I was completely hooked by the voices, and looking forward to more of this series.

"An investigation consists of a mass of voices, the sort you can hear, and the sort you can't.  You have to listen to the soundless voices, Malin.  That's where the truth is hidden."

The quote at the start of the blurb of MIDWINTER SACRIFICE intrigued.  The opening of the book with the naked, mutilated body of a man hanging from a tree in a frozen, snow covered location was startling.  A new detective character, Malin Fors, single mother of a teenage daughter engaging.  But ultimately it was the concept of the "voices" of an investigation that weave their way through this book, that delivered an unusual, compelling perspective.

Slow moving, immersion reading in the very best tradition of Scandinavian styled mysteries, this book has an additional aspect in that it's narrated by voices, including the victim himself, whose voice pleads, cajoles and guides Malin (not that she can hear him!).  But the point is well made.  The victim in a case has a voice.  Obviously, an investigator rarely hears the victim of a murder, but their life, as well as their death, can "speak" to the investigating team if they are prepared to listen.

Alongside the use of the voices, there's a solid police procedural moving through this book - from the difficulties of identifying the victim, to the explanation of why they would become a victim of such a violent crime.  To the past that informs the present.  But we are talking dark, intricate, reserved, thoughtful and sinister.  We're talking cold and atmospheric - partially because of the weather, partially because of the characters who inhabit the story.  

We're also talking a good central character - investigator Malin Fors has a complicated personal life, a strange history with her ex-husband, and a realistic relationship with her teenage daughter.  There's enough of the personal elements (good and bad) of her life built into the story to give a sense of the balancing act that a major investigation has to become.  Perhaps some of her work colleagues are less strongly drawn - although to be honest I didn't think that was an obvious problem or even inexplicable.

Undoubtedly MIDWINTER SACRIFICE is one of those books that you have to sink into, allow it to spin out the story, go with the voices and deal with the reserve.  Fans of that particularly thoughtful, considered, reserved, Scandinavian style will definitely find something in this book.  Personally I found the idea of the voices within an investigation fascinating and the book particularly difficult to put down.  There's real balance and believability about Fors, her family, her private and professional struggle, but at the same time, there's a sense of the victim here that gives the book a different dimension - a connection with the normally voiceless.

It's very pleasing to read that his "first book" in the Malin Fors series went straight into the bestseller charts.  Sounds like there are more around to look forward to.